Knowledge Maps and Mathematical Modelling

Abstract: The aim of our paper is to explain a mathematical model as a special case of symbolic knowledge map. Each knowledge mapping is a visualization of knowledge for the purpose of eliciting, sharing and expanding. Tools of such visualization can be of various types. But in reality many types of so-called knowledge maps are only data flow or information flow diagrams. Our paper will define the most important features which every knowledge map must satisfy, for instance it must include chronological, hierarchical, associative, causal and evaluative relationships, it must improve the quality of knowledge etc. In our paper we will prove that a mathematical model satisfies all requirements to be called a knowledge map. Neither definition nor categorization and taxonomy of knowledge mapping are unified in the literature so the authors try to start with working on this field. Knowledge map is a visual interception of knowledge with the aim of its storage, sharing and development. Weak descriptive knowledge maps may be used for explaining the ideas and concepts connected with OR models, as well as for explaining the new knowledge gained with the models, in a wellstructured form.